Induction Cook Top with Heat Management System

Abstract

An indoor or outdoor induction cook top with a heat management system is disclosed. The cook top controls heat generated by various components, including the electronic controller, mechanical controls, and the induction generators. The heat management system provides precise temperature control and an efficient way of removing heat from the cooktop. The cook top construction provides the ability to incorporate a smooth ceramic glass cook top and a number of induction hobs in multiple arrangements. The cook top also features a reduction in the number of components, the efficient removal of generated heat, the reduction of noise, an increase in performance and a barrier airflow director. Consequently, the cook top may be installed in a countertop without the need for venting above the counter.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 888,080, filed on Feb. 3, 2007, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention pertains to the art of induction cooking appliances and, more particularly, to an induction cook top appliance with a heat management system.[0004]2. Discussion of the Related Art[0005]Induction cooking, though long a favorite method of cooking in other parts of the world, has only recently become popular in the United States due to its high energy efficiency. Further, induction cooking is more efficient than gas or radiant heat because the cooking elements, i.e., electromagnetic coils, or hobs, are powered by induction generators that induce high levels of current in a pot placed on the cook top, thus heating the pot because of its high electrical resistance. The food or...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]The present invention relates to an indoor or outdoor induction cook top with a heat management system that a) controls the heat generated by the electronic controller, mechanical controls, and the induction generators, as well as the radiated heat for the cooking, and b) provides precise temperature control, efficient removal of heated air, and improved air flow through the system. More particularly this invention relates to an improved induction cook top having better accuracy in removing heated air and directing airflow with precise control of ventilation functions / operations in built-in, mobile or modular appliances. Sensors may also be utilized to provide users with information pertaining to system conditions, e.g., the temperature in the housing. The induction cook top of the present invention further provides greater efficiency and lower noise levels.

[0018]In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an induction cook top appliance comprises a cooking surface attached to a housing, wherein the housing has an intake opening and an exhaust opening, an inductor coil in the housing and below the cooking surface, an induction generator operatively connected to the inductor coil, a fan for moving air through the housing, an electronic control system that controls the fan, and a barrier system attached to the housing that is configured to prevent heated air that passes through the exhaust opening from being drawn back into the housing through the intake opening.

Problems solved by technology

However, existing cooling systems do not account for the temperature of the incoming air, i.e., the systems are directed towards air removal from the inside the housing without considering the surrounding air temperature.

Further, many existing systems re-circulate the previously expelled heated air back into the housing cavity, thereby increasing the temperature inside.

This may result in elevated temperature levels in the housing that may cause component failure and / or reduced cooking performance.

The prior art primarily is directed to controlling the operation of an internal electric fan for cooling the induction heating cooking apparatus, but it fails to address the flow of ambient air outside the housing.

However, this system does not address the issue of the surrounding air intake and the temperature or quality of the air that is brought back into the housing for cooling.

However, this system relies upon the critical factor that the airflow must be undisturbed in cooling.

However, this design is flawed because air that is drawn in will take the path of least resistance, i.e., the air would not be drawn effectively from the cartridge.

Without proper air flow, the generator in the induction cartridge would overheat which may result in component failure or destruction.

The problem with this design is that the cartridge does not take into account the exhausted air or the air that is brought into the system.

This system can be large, complex and takes up large amounts of space.

Moreover, this system does not treat the incoming air.

This design does not take into account where the air is exhausted and the potential of drawing the exhausted air back into the cavity.

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